*You Spelled "Hystory" Wrong!

We promise that we can spell.

APSA uses the spelling 'hystory' and 'womyn' in response to the inherent sexism in language (take HIStory and woMEN, for example) as well as in all facets of our daily lives. Feminist Mary Daly believed that we should use the feminine 'herstory' when referring to women or the neutral 'hystory.'

This may seem like an overreaction to some, but let's take a look at the dictionary.

Definition of man. The majority of these refer to men as being courageous, human beings, brave, an ally, and more. 

In comparison to woman. Several of these entries refer to women as mistresses, illicit lovers, and housekeepers. 

Even without dictionary definitions, courage, strength, and lack of fear, and enthusiasm for sports are frequently, if not always, attributed as characteristics inherent to men. For women, it's weakness and fragility. From this site: "If a man stays unmarried in his 40s, he's a free-spirited, swinging 'bachelor.' When a woman does, she's an old maid 'spinster.' Notice the problems?"

The use of hystory and womyn is not only a form of resistance to patriarchial society as well as a way of giving womyn equal voice in the APIA narrative, but is also our way of challenging you to reimagine, deconstruct, what you (think you) know already. 

Always feel free to ask us questions / for clarification / an explanation about anything and we'll respond! :)